The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we do business, but it has also impacted our day-to-day life in a big way. While many thought that the pandemic would subside quickly as we transition into 2021, there’s no denying that its effects will ripple throughout the business world for months and years to come. What’s more, many countries around the world are still under lockdown. So, what does this mean for you and your career?
Simply put, it means that you need to adapt to the new trends in the competitive job market and take advantage of the new opportunities. That’s why today we are taking a look at the most important ways that the COVID-19 lockdown is reshaping the job market, and what you can do to pave the road to personal and professional success. Here’s what you need to know.
Changes to the hiring process
Firstly, it’s important to understand that the COVID-19 lockdowns have greatly affected the way business leaders source talent and hire the best candidates. Companies are using digital channels and online platforms more than ever before to reach global talent, which means that you as a job-seeker need to be active across the online realm. Applying and interviewing are both conducted predominantly online to safeguard the health of both parties, meaning that you need to master online interviewing in order to appeal to the best employers.
Working on your soft skills and communication skills is more important than ever before because you can no longer talk face-to-face with the hiring manager. You can expect to be asked into online video interviews, phone interviews, and to complete online tests instead of going to the office. These and other forms of remote hiring will prevail in the months and years to come to drive efficiency and source the best candidates on the market.
Remote work has become the norm
Much like remote hiring and onboarding, remote work has become the new standard in the new normal. Driven by the lockdown and the pandemic but sustained by its long-term potential, remote work brings numerous benefits to the employers but also employees. While it is true that adjusting to remote work can be a challenge at first, business leaders are quickly discovering that a decentralized workforce has the potential to achieve bigger goals and maintain productivity and engagement, all the while staying healthy and safe.
This is an opportunity for you to build a better job-life balance by working from the comfort of your home or anywhere with a stable internet connection. Employers are now expecting job-seekers to be well-versed in remote work software and project management platforms, as well as remote communication through VoIP systems, messaging apps, email, and others. Your goal is to show the employers that you can work and communicate seamlessly online and that you can quickly become a productive member of their team.
Getting certified online to advance your career
One of the biggest changes to the business world that the pandemic has brought is how online education and training is creating new opportunities for job-seekers everywhere. Upskilling and getting certified is now mostly done via online learning platforms and accredited companies that can get you certified quickly. Of course, one of the industries where certification is the only way to achieve your goals is healthcare.
Currently, in healthcare, you need to get the right advanced medical certification in order to stand out to employers and quickly join the fight against the pandemic. The lockdown prevents aspiring medical professionals to do this offline, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t get certified online and gain all the necessary training and education to advance their careers. Regardless of the industry, you’re in, or if you want to change career paths, be sure to leverage online training and certification to keep pushing your career forward despite the pandemic.
Automation is driving efficiency for new hires
The next change you need to be ready for is the apparent lack of human contact when joining a new company. Given the fact that you’re most likely to start your new job as a remote worker, be ready to interact with smart software and tools much more than human colleagues.
Companies are heavily investing in workflow and task management software to automate many processes in an attempt to improve efficiency and productivity. You can even expect to encounter a completely automated onboarding process that will prep you for your new role in a matter of days without any significant human oversight.
Freelancing and outsourcing will continue to grow
Last but not least, keep in mind that the gig economy is always on the rise, and that companies are increasingly hiring freelancers and part-time employees. Be ready to join the gig economy yourself and work for several companies at the same time to diversify your income sources and solidify your financial standing.
While some full-time opportunities may show themselves on the occasion, remember that business leaders are reluctant to invest in full-time employees in these trying times, which is why they’re currently focusing heavily on quality freelancers. Be sure to use this to your advantage to build a stable freelancing career in the new normal.
Wrapping up
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to shape the global job market, and it’s important that you adapt quickly to snag the best offers out there. With these tips in mind, you should have no problem elevating your standing in the industry to become a top candidate for every employer.
